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Why not a two-round Open Draw, every team playing once at home, once away.

Double winners to AI QFs, double losers out and single winners to Prelim QFs (variable match count).

Even if Kerry hosts Dublin in Rd 1, the winner is guaranteed a Prelim QF berth and the loser is on the ropes (great excitement and bite about such a pairing).

omahant (USA) - Posts: 3516 - 08/08/2026 14:24:11    2689081

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Replying To ORIELMAN85:  "I would have higher League position home in Round 2, and definitely neutral for Round 3."
At least teams in 2B get 2 or 3 weeks notice but Round 3 getting 5 days.....
Crying out for neutral venues there.
If Donegal had played Dublin in Hyde or Castlebar and Armagh v Kerry was in Croke Park or Salthill......

Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 858 - 09/08/2026 12:54:54    2689168

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Replying To Seanfan:  "At least teams in 2B get 2 or 3 weeks notice but Round 3 getting 5 days.....
Crying out for neutral venues there.
If Donegal had played Dublin in Hyde or Castlebar and Armagh v Kerry was in Croke Park or Salthill......"
Home draws are the only way to get large attendences, or at least holding it to an adjoining county .

Playing Cork/Kerry v Derry in Mullingar isn't an attractive proposition for anyone.

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 2031 - 10/08/2026 08:29:03    2689254

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Replying To tirawleybaron:  "Home draws are the only way to get large attendences, or at least holding it to an adjoining county .

Playing Cork/Kerry v Derry in Mullingar isn't an attractive proposition for anyone."
The quarter finals in hurling are neutral venue. Central council rejected giving provincial runners up home advantage. I think there will be a strong push for Round 3 to be a neutral venue. Both teams have lost a game. Round 2A teams will have had their shot at going direct to the quarter finals.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 10065 - 10/08/2026 10:29:27    2689270

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Replying To tirawleybaron:  "Home draws are the only way to get large attendences, or at least holding it to an adjoining county .

Playing Cork/Kerry v Derry in Mullingar isn't an attractive proposition for anyone."
From Folyeside to Mullingar would be more tempting than to Tralee.

Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2935 - 12/08/2026 21:21:47    2689627

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Replying To legendzxix:  "The quarter finals in hurling are neutral venue. Central council rejected giving provincial runners up home advantage. I think there will be a strong push for Round 3 to be a neutral venue. Both teams have lost a game. Round 2A teams will have had their shot at going direct to the quarter finals."
In hurling, Kerry, Derry or Mullingar would not be involved :)

omahant (USA) - Posts: 3516 - 12/08/2026 21:36:42    2689629

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Tyrone beat Mayo- reward have to beat Kerry and Dublin to reach the Final.
Mayo lost to Tyrone -punishment only have to beat Meath, Cork and Louth to reach the Final.

Losing shouldn't get a team an easier path.

Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 858 - 18/08/2026 13:08:25    2690303

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